Author: grace

Accounting Problems – How A Creative Mind Can Solve Them | Baton Rouge Dental Consultant

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Baton Rouge Dental Advisor

Al Capone, a notorious crime boss and mobster, committed countless crimes either directly or through his organization. Ultimately, it was not his gangster reputation that led to his arrest and sentencing. Instead, Capone was charged with income tax evasion. It took a team of accountants to bring down a man who had been the crime boss of Chicago for seven years.

The story has little to do with dentistry, but it is an example of how important accountants are to every industry. When you hire a dental accountant, you can be confident that they are professionals who have dedicated their lives to dentistry. Dental accountants are more than just tax preparers; they are specially trained to understand dental businesses and offer solutions that others may not consider. The following are a few ways that dental accountants can assist in the success of your practice.

Understanding Dentistry:

The services of an accountant of any type will be beneficial to your practice, but a dental CPA understands the ins and outs of dentistry and can utilize this knowledge to your advantage. Dental accountants are uniquely qualified to assist you since they comprehend the broader context of dentistry and can approach a problem from multiple perspectives. Since they fully understand your business, they can recommend a solution that will be ideal for you and which you can feel confident about.

Looking At The Big Picture:

Traditionally, accountants have been analytical thinkers. To solve a financial issue in your practice, you may need a new perspective that takes into account all the consequences. Dental accountants are capable of thinking laterally, which is one of the main reasons why they can greatly contribute to your practice’s success.

Creative Thinking:

Difficult problems require creative solutions. Even though accountants aren’t known for their creativity, you may be surprised to learn that their line of work actually requires quite a bit more creativity than might be expected. A dental accountant combines their dental knowledge and experience with a unique approach in order to create innovative solutions that help your practice meet and exceed its financial goals. 

Having the right accountant can make the difference between success and failure in your practice. Although it is best to consult an accountant before problems arise, we are always available to help you. For assistance with your financial goals and a highly specialized approach, please contact our Dental CPA Baton Rouge team of professional dental CPAs.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
Url: https://agdentalcpas.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Accountants Should Have These 5 Qualities | Baton Rouge LA Dental CPA

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Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

The most effective way to evaluate your practice’s performance is to hire a professional Baton Rouge LA Dental Accountant. As a dentist, we realize that you have a lot on your plate, and accounting may be the last thing on your mind. However, not all accountants are the same, so you should know what you’re looking for before you hire one. Here are five characteristics to look for before you hire an accountant.

Awareness

Even though it may seem like a no-brainer, your accountant should be an expert in dental bookkeeping and accounting. Make sure dentists are aware of the best options for financial support and stay on top of practice-related financial details and information.

Well organized

If you’ve ever attempted to do your own accounting, you know how quickly it can get complicated. An experienced accountant will know how to resolve issues and maintain accurate records. As well as allowing you to achieve your goals more quickly, it will also guarantee your company is both compliant and efficient.

Trustworthy

The most important factor when choosing an accountant is trustworthiness. Do not hire an accountant blindly without proper research. Often, you entrust them with your practice, your finances, and even your life. It’s all about your reputation. Before you sign anything, take the time to become familiar with the company and accountant. Ask for references from other professionals.

Reputable

The devil lies in the details, and a single mistake could cost you your practice and your reputation. Examine how your accountant will avoid mistakes and keep you informed about your finances. In your role as a doctor, you spend a lot of time getting to know your patients. An accountant should perform the same service for your practice, recognizing the significance of accuracy. 

Committed

The top dental accountants place great importance on customer service. If you want your practice to be successful, then you should expect them to go the extra mile to ensure that this happens. It is for this reason that we respect and dedicate ourselves to every client we work with. As a client, you should feel confident and comfortable as your accountant performs all work on your behalf.

You have devoted all of your energy and effort to establishing a reputable dental practice. We are here to assist you. Contact us today to arrange a consultation with one of our dental consultant Baton Rouge professionals. Let’s work together to help you achieve your financial goals.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
Url: https://agdentalcpas.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

A Dental Accountant Can Help You Retire Confidently | Baton Rouge LA Dental CPA

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Baton Rouge LA Dental Advisor

Stephen Covey made famous a saying that has stuck with us for years. He said, “Start with the end in mind.” There is no time like the present to start planning for your retirement. These words can mean many things to many different people, but to us, they mean that you should never be too young to start. 

The planning required for your eventual retirement as a dentist with your own practice is much more extensive than that of the average person. Your financial waste can be reduced with the help of a dental accountant, allowing you to retire sooner. 

Approximately how much are you saving?

When you meet with our Dental CPA Baton Rouge accounting team, you will discuss your dental profit and loss, taxes, and long-term savings goals. Changing your investments during retirement may be beneficial to your savings as it may outpace inflation.

What is your exit strategy?

A written agreement that details who will buy you out when you retire would be helpful if you are a dental practice owner or partner. Determine whether you plan to retire outright or work part-time. Consider how taxes will impact your retirement savings. You should consider these and many other factors when planning your retirement. Our Baton Rouge LA Dental Consultant firm can help you with the details of the transition.

When you retire, what do you plan to do?

Your priorities and living expenses may have to shift if you are considering starting a new venture, traveling more, or embracing a hobby. Considering how rapidly the economy is changing, it is worthwhile consulting experts to help you future-proof your lifestyle.

How long will you be retired?

Life expectancy has increased dramatically due to advances in modern medicine. Depending on your health and family history, you may want to plan as if you’ll live to be 100 years old and estimate your needs accordingly.For example, have you considered long-term care insurance?

Will there be any other changes to expenses?

Even though retirement may eliminate your commute, work wardrobe, and team lunches, it also means higher medical costs. Consider what changes to your budget you may experience during retirement.

You can start working through this list at any time. The majority of accountants recommend meeting with your advisor annually to discuss your progress and make any necessary adjustments. 

Dental accountants are similar to financial coaches. Among the many services accountants can offer, they can assist in finding the right pensions, properties, and business opportunities for you to invest in while you are still employed. They can also help you understand where your money is going as your income grows, ensuring you have a better financial future once you retire.

In addition to helping you divide up your assets after you retire, an accountant ensures that they don’t fall into the wrong hands.

You shouldn’t have to work during retirement. Get financial peace of mind by contacting a Baton Rouge Dental CPA accountant today. Let’s talk.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
Url: https://agdentalcpas.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Are You Making a Costly Mistake? | Dental Consultant Baton Rouge

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Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

Dentists are experts at what they do. They maintain healthy teeth. Most of these dentists are less experienced in ensuring their books are kept accurately and reflect the financial health of their practice. Both of these skills are necessary to ensure longevity in your practice. In light of this, here are three common bookkeeping mistakes that could be costing you thousands of dollars and, ultimately, your business.

The Difference Between Cash Flow and Profit

It is not easy to understand financial reports. Inexperienced people can sometimes be confused by the complexity, leading to costly mistakes. It is common for dentists and in-house bookkeepers to mistake profit figures for cash. This is incorrect. Due to this mistake, dentists make purchases that incur overdraft fees, which can cost a lot of money for your practice. Profit is calculated using a profit and loss statement. However, cash flow is calculated using a cash flow equation and factoring in depreciation expenses, inventory, and accounts receivable.

Incorrectly recording transactions in the wrong period

It is another common mistake for practices to “close the books” at the end of each month. As your in-house bookkeeper reconciles accounts and prepares financial statements, transactions from previous periods can be entered incorrectly. If this mistake is not caught, all of your future reports, your tax documents, and your cash figures will be wrong. You can imagine how bad that is. The IRS can slap harsh penalties on individuals who misrepresent cash, regardless of whether it was an honest mistake.

Managing your payroll

Dental practices often think handling payroll is a simple task. However, many minor mistakes can easily lead to major problems and penalties. Payroll errors can be frustrating and costly for both employers and employees. A mistake in state tax deductions can result in a sizable tax deduction from an employee’s last paycheck of the year, and this deduction may coincide with the holiday season. Missed hours or incorrect pay rates can also inadvertently decrease an employee’s pay, leading to frustration and lasting resentment. It is these mistakes that cause employee-employer strain and negatively affect your employees. For the employer, incorrectly calculated payroll tax obligations can result in fines and penalties. Generally speaking, dentists aren’t experts in the complex world of government tax regulations.

Not using experienced dental accountants

Managing your practice’s finances yourself or hiring an inexperienced bookkeeper can be disastrous. An unreliable accounting system can lead to high tax bills, theft, cash mistakes, and more. 

A dental accountant can help you save time and money by implementing an efficient system. Having an accurate understanding of your practice’s finances at all times will give you peace of mind. For more information, please contact our Baton Rogue Dental Accountant office.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
Url: https://agdentalcpas.com/
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Our Accounting Team Will Save You Time | Dental Accountant Baton Rouge

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Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

The IRS, business management, and day-to-day business issues can all seem overwhelming. Most likely, you got into your field to do what you do best, not to do accounting, and even though accounting is essential, we know it might just not be your cup of tea. Most business owners feel the same way. Lack of interest or knowledge does not excuse you from responsibility. In addition, a good accountant can mean the difference between success and failure for your business. Hire our team of trusted CPAs as your best defense against the complexities of accounting.

In contrast to an accounting computer program, a specialized accountant provides more than basic numbers. If you do not have a background in accounting, you will need a CPA to organize and present the data effectively. An experienced dental CPA in Baton Rouge will go far beyond what a computer program will do. We will gather the right information about your business so we can identify what needs to be done and plan accordingly.

As a skilled dentist, you can perform a root canal from afar and spot a cavity from a mile away. When it comes to dental bookkeeping, you may be less confident. With our professional dental bookkeeping services, we can both improve accuracy and efficiency, as well as troubleshoot a specific problem. As a result of taking over your practice’s bookkeeping, you will have more time to attend to your patients and manage your practice.

Here are a few benefits of outsourcing your bookkeeping:

  • By saving time, you can focus on growing your dental practice.
  • By reducing production costs, you are only paying for what you need.
  • Our expertise in this field means you can trust the accuracy of your books.
  • Compliance with dental bookkeeping best practices.
  • Having access to the best bookkeeping software and data backup solutions is

Your CPA will ask questions and propose solutions to problems, such as: what is the financial health of your practice? Are there ways to reduce taxes and increase revenue? Is another team member needed?

Your CPA will provide you with services based on your needs. For example, you may only need your taxes prepared. But if you’re looking for the maximum benefit of a specialized accountant, they can also provide you with added security, tax planning, and expert business advice. Remember, an excellent accountant can save you both time and money while providing peace of mind. 

Our Baton Rouge dental accounting office can help you get started in your search for a CPA.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Is Your Business Healthy? | Baton Rouge LA Dental Advisor

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Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

Success is subjectively defined. On the other hand, most people would agree that achieving a healthy work-life balance is one of the most important aspects of success. Our dental consultant in Baton Rouge says that you can prevent career burnout by establishing healthy business habits. You may be dissatisfied with your career and question the health of your business if you experience any unhealthy habits.

Develop healthier habits. Arrive at work at the same time every day. Being consistent with yourself and your team can make a world of difference in creating a peaceful work environment. Make time to work on your business and stick to it. The stress that comes from administrative work, important decisions, and other responsibilities of an owner can be overwhelming. This eventually affects your team and patient satisfaction. 

Make sure you know your number. Money is not the cause of all evil. It is also not the answer to every problem. It is an essential part of running a successful business. To make smart investments, it’s crucial to know where you stand financially. Consider how purchasing that $30,000 “high-tech solution to all of your problems” will help you provide better patient care. What is the return on investment? How have others in your position made this investment profitable? We will advise you on major financial decisions. You should always keep track of your numbers. We are here to help.

There’s an old saying that says, “You have to spend money to make money,” and that’s certainly the case in dental practice financial management. For dental practices, this often means investing in initiatives that increase patient satisfaction and increase practice visibility. Offer discounts or preferential treatment to long-term customers, such as priority scheduling for appointments. Improve the overall patient experience with the help of new technology and facility upgrades. Last but not least, set a marketing budget for the practice that includes offline and online marketing activities, including localized SEO.

The responsibility of owning a business can be very fulfilling and rewarding. Accomplishing everything on your to-do list can be challenging. Be sure to prioritize your responsibilities and set deadlines. Simply doing this will help you find time for the things that are often put on the backburner. When you are clear about your priorities, it will be easier to say “no” when necessary and to stay focused on checking off important items.

We can assist you in making wise financial decisions. Please contact our dental accounting office in Baton Rouge, LA today to schedule a consultation.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

The Importance of Professional Bookkeeping for Dentists | Dental Accountant in 70808

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Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

You spent years as a dentist, gaining education and experience to open your own practice. If you pursued conventional methods of education and training, you probably did not acquire skills in bookkeeping, much less accounting. Most likely, you focused your dental practice on the areas where you were trained and knowledgeable, which included patient care and relations, administrative duties, payroll, and possibly some basic marketing. No doubt, you’ve had to expand your repertoire as your practice evolved.

Perhaps you have neglected your bookkeeping and accounting over the years. Instead of struggling with your finances, why not hire an accounting or bookkeeping service? 

Why should you hire a professional bookkeeper?

Despite your competence in running your dental practice, you may not possess the skills and expertise required to manage your books as effectively and accurately as a professional agency. Just as bookkeepers and accountants do not perform their own dental care, you would be better off placing your bookkeeping and accounting responsibilities in the hands of a professional.

A bookkeeper will manage some of the financial aspects of your practice that a bookkeeper will manage:

  • Company Bank Accounts 
  • Insurance billing
  • Account Payable 
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Cash flow

The Advantages of Outsourcing Bookkeeping

  • By reducing bookkeeping time, more time can be allocated to patient care.
  • Due to fewer operational expenses, the dental practice saves money by only paying for what it needs. As a result, the company may be able to provide raises annually to employees. 
  • As the dentist and owner of your practice, you can be assured of the accuracy of the bookkeeping services provided, allowing you to manage your office more effectively and efficiently.
  • Instead of trying to handle the finances, you and your staff can place much more emphasis on patient care. The result is greater patient satisfaction thanks to improving the overall experience.
  • Instead of you and your staff being responsible for the practice’s bookkeeping, which can lead to uncertainty and errors, you have access to bookkeeping specialists. This approach allows you to enjoy consistency with your bookkeeping practices and have more time to devote to financial strategy, which puts you in a proactive position when managing your finances.
  • In addition, you can also utilize premier bookkeeping programs within your dental practice. The programs will allow you to back up and save your data for years to come, making it easy for you to maintain your financial records reliably and persistently.

The Advantages of Professional Accounting Services for Dental Practices

It is essential to work with a skilled accountant who develops high-level strategies aimed at improving your practice’s financial standing. A professional accountant will prepare financial statements, analyze operational costs, prepare tax returns, and consult with your dental practice on financial decisions. 

Our dental accountant in Baton Rouge, LA provides accounting services tailored to specific industries. As your business grows, your taxes will become more complex. We will help you maximize your tax savings as your business grows. In addition to tax planning and support, we offer insight into current trends and relevant issues to help companies make wise decisions. Whether you’re starting your first company or managing your established one, you can rely on our team to provide you with strategic advice along the way. 

Contact our Baton Rouge dental accounting firm if you would like to learn more about how our team can assist you.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

3 Time Saving Strategies | 70808 Dental Accountant

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Dental Consultant Baton Rouge

Your most valuable resource is time. Managing your time can be impossible on some days. Think about the strategies you currently use to manage your time. What other tools could you use to protect your most valuable asset? These three methods shared by our Baton Rouge dental accountant will help you maximize your time.

Reevaluate Your Management Strategies.

Without spending a dime, you can buy time. Use a new method for tracking practice productivity. Having your team email their task lists for the day can be a great way to keep them organized. Each staff member can describe quantitatively what they do, making it easy to refer back to them. The previous method would avoid micromanagement of employees by asking, “What did you do today?” With a full schedule of appointments, implementing management tasks is difficult.

Since you know what each team member contributes, you can reduce the number of daily meetings. A daily list of completed tasks allows everyone at your practice to be aware of which tasks need to be handled.

Maximize efficiency by using apps.

“Lost time is never found again.” Ben Franklin knew this 200 years ago. How can you use this knowledge in running your practice? You can track your practice with several tools available on your phone. Using these tools can help you become more efficient. Today, you don’t need to manage all aspects of your business manually.

Utilize scheduling apps and software. Apps such as these will help you save time and keep track of your practice’s performance. If you need some guidance, feel free to contact our accounting firm.

Consider Express Check-In.

Losing time is not always the fault of your team. One late patient can disrupt your whole schedule. Make registration easy for your patients. Provide patients with online forms they can fill out before they come in. This will help your entire practice run smoothly. Working with your patients to create a smoother, faster registration is the best way to avoid becoming known as a practice that runs behind schedule. Your patients will not want to fill out redundant paperwork. Whenever possible, rework any documents or forms to prevent your patients from repeatedly filling out information such as their name and address.

Time management is an essential skill for successful business leaders. Set up methods that allow you to measure productivity in concrete, quantitative terms. Make your life easier with technology and let your patients work with you to save time. Think differently about your time management strategies.

Our dental accounting firm in Baton Rouge, LA can help you implement strategies that will help you be more efficient. Please contact us for a consultation.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Increase Your Confidence As A Dental Practice Leader | Dental Accountant Baton Rouge LA

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Baton Rouge Dental Accountant

The varying nature of confidence can be exemplified as a business leader because of the stressful nature of leading a dental practice. Confidence can grow with a conscientious effort. Our team of dental CPAs in 70808 come up with a few ways to increase your confidence in the dental practice, leading to a more positive work environment.

Consistency is Key

Rapidly changing methods and ideas can prevent a business leader from feeling confident. The business should work for the practice leader, not the other way around.

Gaining a sense of consistency and stability with schedules, rules, and realistic  expectations can lead to an increase in confidence that the practice will run smoothly.

Know and understand the key parts of the dental office, important dates, and the function of each role. You can only become confident in your business operations when you fully grasp the nature of the entire business.

Stay True To Yourself

Being afraid to say what you think can be viewed as a lack of confidence. Speaking your mind, while still having a professional filter, can build confidence as it shows you are part of a team and contributing. Being yourself will also get rid of any notion that team members might have that you are not being a genuine person. Openness and authenticity will not only strengthen your bond with your team, but are also essential traits for effective leadership.

Be Open to Criticism

Change cannot come from one person alone, and not all criticism should be seen as an attack against you. Listen to feedback from team members and customers and tailor that feedback into something positive. Do not let the criticism fester and destroy your confidence. Take it and use it to grow.  Accepting constructive criticism and negative comments can help increase your confidence.

Know What You Are Talking About

Fully understanding what you are talking about can help improve your confidence. If you are a dental practice leader, strive to know everything you can about the office and its operations. If you are speaking about a topic, research everything you can about that topic. Become the expert. You will be better positioned to demonstrate confidence when it is clear that you are invested in what you are discussing.

Confidence can not only make or break your career, it can impact the dental practice as a whole. Contact our dental accounting office in Baton Rouge, LA for a dental practice evaluation and analysis to make sure you are working at your full potential.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Signs That It Is Time To Hire A Dental Accountant | Dental Consultant Baton Rouge LA

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Dental Consultant Baton Rouge LA

How do you know when it is absolutely time to hire our dental accountant in 70808? Occasionally there are certain tasks that you are able to do on your own, but these tasks may be very time consuming. When you are busy with clinical work, it is easy to overlook certain things or make financial mistakes. Here are a few signs that confirm you need help from our dental CPAs in Baton Rouge.

  1. You earn over $200,000 per year– Your odds of being audited once you start earning over $200,000 a year increase to nearly 4%. While this may not seem like a large number, it’s actually an increase of over 300%. Having your financials in order in case this does occur is vitally important once you become a high-earner.
  2. You are a business owner or are self-employed– Utilizing the services of an accounting professional is vitally important for any business owner or entrepreneur. Tax laws change annually. The current US tax code has over 7 million words in it. Making sure that all of your deductions are included, your assets are depreciating properly, and that you are maximizing your tax savings will wind up saving you money in the long run.
  3. You are setting money aside for others– When putting money aside for your children, grandchildren, or anyone you want to take care of, it’s very important to use a financial professional to decide which vehicles to use for tax-deferred or tax-free savings. This includes college savings plans or trusts.
  4. You are incurring large capital gains tax– The key to success in paying big  capital gains tax is paying at long-term rates. An accountant can help you with a Qualified Small Business Tax Credit, can help minimize your taxes, and can help you set long-term payment goals.
  5. You are experiencing rapid growth in your business– Not only is keeping your finances up-to-date time consuming, it’s also complicated. When you’re experiencing rapid growth, it’s time to call in an accounting professional. Having more customers, team members, and vendors is going to require more paperwork and number crunching and can rapidly become impossible for you to keep up with.

Contact our dental accounting firm in Baton Rouge, LA if any of these signs apply to you and your dental practice. We can help you organize the financial aspect of your practice.

AG Dental CPAs and Advisors
Phone: (225) 767-1020
6421 Perkins Road, Bldg A, STE 1B
Baton Rouge, LA 70808